Storage Bag for Cosmetics

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a modular storage bag includes an outer housing and multiple inserts that are releasably secured inside the outer housing using first and second securement mechanisms. The outer housing includes first and second outer shells that are connected along one of a plurality of shell edges to form a hinge for reciprocally rotating the outer shells relative to one another from an open position to a storage position. The first and second shells define a storage compartment when in the storage position. The inserts each have a storage compartment configured to store one or more cosmetic items.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to storage devices, and more specifically, to a storage bag for cosmetics.

BACKGROUND

Cosmetics include materials used to enhance or otherwise alter the appearance of its users. Examples of cosmetics may include mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, eye-gloss, liners, highlighters, nail polish, rouge, eyebrow enhancers, application brushes and may also include foundations that may be applied prior to other cosmetic materials. Cosmetics may be referred to as any material for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or otherwise altering the appearance of the user without affecting the user's body structure or functions.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a modular storage bag includes an outer housing and multiple inserts that are releasably secured inside the outer housing using first and second securement mechanisms. The outer housing includes first and second outer shells that are connected along one of a plurality of shell edges to form a hinge for reciprocally rotating the outer shells relative to one another from an open position to a storage position. The first and second shells define a storage compartment when in the storage position. The inserts each have a storage compartment configured to store one or more cosmetic items. The first and second securement mechanisms are configured to releasably secure the plurality of inserts to the outer housing such that the inserts may be rotated from a first position inside the storage compartment when the outer housing is in the storage position to a second position when the outer housing is in the open position. The first securement mechanism is connected along a first of the plurality of shell edges of the outer shells and the second securement mechanism connected to the outer housing along a second of the plurality of shell edges. The first shell edge is different from the second shell edge.

Certain embodiments may include a storage bag for cosmetics providing enhanced efficiency of storage. For example, one embodiment may include inserts secured to opposing edges of the outer shells. The inserts may be configured to have a size such that they extend only halfway into the storage compartment of the storage bag. Thus, the inserts may be stored in the storage compartment without overlapping one another. Additionally, using this configuration, multiple inserts may be simultaneously displayed which should provide additional efficiency of use.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate an example storage bag for cosmetics according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 8 through 12 illustrate another example storage bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 13, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged storage devices.

As mentioned previously, cosmetics may be used to cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or otherwise altering the appearance of the user. Often, these cosmetic materials may incorporate hues (e.g., color) or texturing agents that are more suited for use with other cosmetic materials with similar types. For example, some cosmetics may have colors and textures that are more suited for a work environment while others may be more well suited for use in a formal environment. Thus, the organization of cosmetics according to their usage would beneficially provide enhanced access for the cosmetics as they are needed.

FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate an example storage bag 100 for cosmetics according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Although the storage bag will be described herein with reference to specific uses, it should be expressly understood that the storage bag may be utilized in a variety of other settings. As non-limiting examples, the storage bag 100 may be utilized for storage of cosmetics, jewelry, or crafts, among many other uses.

The storage bag 100 includes a first and second outer shell members 102 and 104 that are connected together to form a hinge for opening and closing the storage bag 100. FIG. 1 shows the storage bag 100 in the closed position and FIG. 2 shows the storage bag 100 in the open position. The storage bag 100 also includes a zipper 106 that extends around the peripheral edges of the two outer shells 102 and 104 for maintaining the storage bag 100 in the closed position. Although, the present embodiment is shown herein utilizing a zipper 106, any suitable type of closure mechanism may be used, such as, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, or a Ziploc™ fastener.

The outer shells 102 and 104 are made of a flexible and durable material, such as heavy weight canvas. In other embodiments, the outer shells 102 and 104 may be made of materials, such as a rigid, hard plastic material. Additionally, the storage bag 100 may include a handle 112 affixed to one of the outer shells 102 or 104 for ease of carrying the storage bag 100. In particular embodiments, the handle 112 may include a hand grip 113 made of different materials corresponding to a location at which a hand would hold the handle. In other embodiments, the handle 112 may be a similar material throughout. In another embodiment, the storage bag 100 may include a strap (not shown) affixed to one of the outer shells 102 or 104 for support of the storage bag 100 by the shoulder of the user.

When in the closed position, the inner space between the two outer shells 102 and 104 defines a storage compartment for the storage of, among other things, multiple inserts 110. Each insert 110 is generally rectangular in shape and includes holes 116 configured along one edge for securement to the outer shells 102 and 104 using rings 114.

Each insert 110 includes a pocket for storage of cosmetic items or other items. Examples, of cosmetic items that may be stored include mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, eye-gloss, liners, highlighters, nail polish, rouge, eyebrow enhancers, application brushes, and foundations. The cosmetic items may be secured in the pocket of each insert 110 with a Ziploc™ fastener 118 affixed to and extending along an edge opposite the holes 116. In other embodiments, any type of fastener, such as a zipper, or a hook-and-loop fastener may be used. Additionally, the fastener 118 may be affixed to any portion of the insert for selectively opening and closing the pocket of the insert 110. Additionally, each pocket may be formed of a clear, see-through material to allow inspection of the insert's contents even when the pocket is closed by the fastener 118. Again, as referenced above, although cosmetic items are disclosed herein, other items may also be stored in the inserts 110 according to other configurations. Accordingly, the general reference to cosmetic item is intended as proving a non-limiting example use of the storage bag 100.

In one embodiment, an insert 110 may include one or more partitions that form multiple segmented pockets inside of the insert 110. Each individual pocket formed by the partitions may be configured with its own fastener 118 for selectively providing access to the individual pocket. Certain embodiments incorporating inserts 110 having varying types and numbers of partitions may provide an advantage in that cosmetic items may be efficiently stored according to the user's desires and tastes. For example, a certain insert 110 having multiple partitions may be well adapted for a user who desires certain organization of the user's mascara, while other inserts 110 having a different type and number of partitions may be used to efficiently organize the user's lipstick.

In one embodiment, the pocket of an insert 110 may be air-tight and/or water-tight. That is, the insert may be formed of an impermeable material, such as plastic and have a fastener 118 that does not allow air or water to pass through when closed. In this manner, cosmetic items having a fluid consistency may be safely contained within the pocket if and when the fluid leaks from the container.

As best shown in FIG. 7, each ring 114 is generally rigid in shape and has a hinge and a releasable clasp for selectively opening and closing the ring such that the inserts 110 may be secured to the outer shells 102 and 104. In the particular embodiment shown, two rings 114 are included for securing the inserts 110 to the outer shells 102 and 104. In other embodiments, any quantity of rings 114 may be used. Additionally, FIG. 2 shows rings being used to connect multiple inserts 110. Although, the present embodiment is show herein utilizing a ring, any suitable type of connection mechanism may be used, such as, for example, a hook and loop fastener, snaps, Velcro™, or rings in various shapes as may be practical for a specific application.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the rings 114 are secured to the outer shells 102 and 104 via holes formed in one or both of the outer shells 102 and 104. The holes may be structurally enhanced using rigid grommets that disperse tearing forces placed upon the fabric of the outer shells by the rings 114. Using this securement technique, the rings 114 may be secured without the use of a rigid backbone, which is commonly implemented with known ring-type securement devices, such as those typically used in binder notebooks for storing paper. Certain embodiments incorporating a ring binder having no rigid backbone may provide an advantage in that the storage bag 100 may have enhanced flexibility when stored with other items. For example, the storage bag 100 may itself, be stored in a luggage bag that also stores other items, such as personal clothing. When stored in this manner, the flexibility of the bag may provide enhanced flexibility to allow efficient storage along with other items in an efficient manner. Nevertheless, in other embodiments, a ring binder mechanism incorporating a rigid backbone may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 6A, the inner liner of either outer shell 102 and 104 may be configured with additional storage compartments 108. The storage compartments 108 may be formed using a sheet of flexible plastic material that is affixed along its edges to the inner liner of either outer shell 102 or 104. As shown, four storage compartments 108 are provided on the inner liner of one outer shell 102 or 104. In other embodiments, any size and quantity of storage compartments 108 may be implemented on the inner liner of either outer shell 102 or 104.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 63, in other embodiments, there may be no other additional storage compartments, according to embodiments.

FIGS. 8 through 12 illustrate another example storage bag 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The storage bag 200 incorporates two outer shells 202 and 204 that are similar in design and construction to the outer shells 102 and 104 of the storage bag 100. Also, the storage bag 200 incorporates inserts 210 and rings 214 a, 214 b, and 214 c that may be similar in design and construction to the inserts 110 and rings 114 of the storage bag 100. The storage bag 200 differs, however, in that multiple sets of rings 214 a, 214 b, and 214 c may be incorporated along different edges of the outer shells 202 and 204. Thus, one set of inserts 210 secured to one set of rings 214 a may rotated outwardly in one direction from the storage compartment of the outer shells 202 and 204, while another set of inserts 210 secured to another set of rings 214 b may be rotated outwardly in another direction from the storage compartment. As shown, a total of three sets of rings 214 a, 214 b, and 214 c are provided for securing a corresponding three sets of inserts 210 to the storage bag 200. In other embodiments, any suitable quantity of sets of inserts may be provided, such as two sets of inserts or four sets of inserts.

In a particular case in which one set of rings are configured on an edge of the outer shells 202 and 204 that is opposite another edge in which another set of ring are configured, the inserts 210 may be configured to have a size such that they extend only halfway into the storage compartment of the storage bag 200. In this manner, the inserts 210 may be stored in the storage compartment without overlapping one another.

Although storage compartments 208 are shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 13, according to particular embodiments, in other embodiments, no such storage compartments 208 may be present in the same manner as that described with reference to FIGS. 4B and 6B.

As best shown in FIG. 9, another example of insert 210′ that may be implemented according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The particular insert 210′ shown, rather than providing a sealable pocket for the storage of cosmetic items, includes a panel on which various cosmetic items may be releasably secured. The insert 210′ includes a flexible panel and multiple expandable bands that are routed through holes formed in the panel. The holes are sized such that the expandable bands are maintained with a desired tension via a friction fit with the panel. Cosmetic items may be disposed in between the bands and the panel and secured in position by a pulling action on an exposed end of the bands.

The panel of the insert 210′ has sufficient flexibility to allow folding into a shape for enclosure in the storage compartment of the storage bag 200 and is sufficiently rigid to maintain its general shape when tension is applied to the expandable bands. In other embodiments, the panel may be formed of a rigid material, such as chipboard. Additionally, the rigid panel may comprise multiple panel sections that are hingedly joined together, such as by a living hinge.

In another embodiment, the insert 210′ may include a closure mechanism (not shown), such as a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener, or a Ziploc™ fastener, for selectively enclosing items releasably secured by the straps. For example, the closure mechanism may be configured on the insert 210′ in a manner such that, when the panel is folded in half, the closure mechanism may be closed such that the panel is maintained in the folded position and the items securely stored inside.

Although the insert 210′ has been described for use with cosmetic items, it may also be adapted for use with any type of items. For example, it is contemplated that the inset 210′ may be used to releasably secure pencils, pens, or other writing instruments. As another example, the insert 210′ may be used store releasably secure drawing tools used by artists, such as paint brushes, water-color pens, pastel sticks, and the like. In essence, the insert 210′ may be used to store any item that is generally elongated in shape and can be releasably secured to a suitably sized panel using multiple straps.

The storage bags 100 and 200 have been described above for the storage of cosmetic items. In other embodiments, the storage bags 100 and 200 may be used for the storage of any type of items. For example, the storage bags 100 and 200 may be sized for and adapted to accommodate construction tools, such as those used by a carpenter or a plumber. As another example, the storage bags 100 and 200 may be sized for and adapted to accommodate relatively small items, such as jewelry. Moreover, the shape, construction, and materials from which the inserts 110 are formed in any suitable manner for storage within the storage compartment. Additionally, the inserts 110 may include any appropriate partitions for accommodating the items that they are adapted to store.

Although the present disclosure has been described with an exemplary embodiment, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular storage bag comprising: an outer housing comprising first and second outer shells that are connected along one of a plurality of shell edges to form a hinge for reciprocally rotating the outer shells relative to one another from an open position to a storage position, the first and second shells defining a storage compartment when in the storage position; a plurality of inserts each having a storage compartment configured to store one or more cosmetic items; and first and second securement mechanisms configured to releasably secure the plurality of inserts to the outer housing such that the inserts may be rotated from a first position inside the storage compartment when the outer housing is in the storage position to a second position when the outer housing is in the open position, the first securement mechanism connected along a first of the plurality of shell edges of the outer shells and the second securement mechanism connected to the outer housing along a second of the plurality of shell edges, the first shell edge being different from the second shell edge.
 2. The modular storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a third securement mechanism configured to releasably secure another of the plurality of inserts to the outer housing such that the inserts may be rotated from the first position inside the storage compartment when the outer housing is in the storage position to the second position when the outer housing is in the open position, the third securement mechanism secured to the one shell edge defining the hinge.
 3. The modular storage bag of claim 1, wherein the outer housing has a generally rectangular shape and the first and second securement mechanisms configured on opposing edges of the outer shells.
 4. The modular storage bag of claim 3, wherein the inserts are secured to the first and second securement mechanisms along one insert edge and are dimensioned to extend halfway into the storage compartment when in the first position.
 5. The modular storage bag of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second securement mechanisms comprise two or more rings configured to be selectively opened and closed for removing or adding the inserts to the first and second securement mechanisms.
 6. The modular storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a zipper extending continuously along the edges of the outer shells, not including the one edge, for selectively maintaining the outer shells in the storage position.
 7. The modular storage bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inserts comprises: a panel having a plurality of holes; and a plurality of expandable bands routed through the holes and configured to releasably secure one or more cosmetic items between the bands and the panel via a friction fit of the bands and the panel.
 8. A modular storage bag comprising: an outer housing comprising first and second outer shells that are connected along one of a plurality of shell edges to form a hinge for reciprocally rotating the outer shells relative to one another from an open position to a storage position, the first and second shells defining a storage compartment when in the storage position; at least one insert including a panel having a plurality of holes, and a plurality of expandable bands routed through the holes and configured to releasably secure one or more cosmetic items between the bands and the panel via a friction fit of the bands and the panel; and a securement mechanism configured to releasably secure the at least one insert to the outer housing such that the at least one insert may be rotated from a first position inside the storage compartment when the outer housing is in the storage position to a second position when the outer housing is in the open position.
 9. The modular storage bag of claim 8, further comprising a closure mechanism affixed to a portion of the perimeter of the panel and configured to, when the panel is folded in half, closed such that the panel is maintained in a folded position.
 10. The modular storage bag of claim 9, wherein the closure mechanism comprises at least one of a zipper and a Ziploc™ fastener. 